|Who We Are

Barbasol Heritage

For nearly 100 years, Barbasol has remained the American standard and tradition in shaving. Generations of men have trusted Barbasol to look and feel their best during life’s greatest moments. Today, Barbasol remains true to the principle of providing products at an honest quality that deliver a close, comfortable shave with every use.

Made in America

We are proud in the fact that 100% of the 10oz Barbasol Shaving Cream products are made in America! Barbasol believes in purchasing American made materials and equipment whenever they are available.

Our Giving

Our Mission

Perio's (parent company of Barbasol) main objective in doing business is customer satisfaction. This focus on customer service, combined with a sincere commitment to the values of quality and trust, create a second objective of company value.

Perio wants all stakeholders to sense an intrinsic value within the Company based upon this commitment to service, along with our resolve to sell and produce only the highest quality products, and the development of trust through a willingness to refuse short-term opportunities which threaten our integrity and long-term success.

Additionally, Employee fulfillment is critical both to the Company's success and to each individual's personal success. Perio wants to provide all Employees with a job and a company of which they can be most proud.

In conclusion, Perio expects to receive a healthy profit as long as it adheres to these major objectives. We believe that we are merely temporary stewards and that the resources of the Company belong to God. As such, our main vision is to support charitable organizations and specifically, those focused upon children.

Our History

1919

In 1919, Frank Shields, a former MIT professor developed the first shaving cream. The innovative product offered men an alternative to using a brush to work soap into a lather. The shaving cream formula was designed to provide a comfortable shave for men with tough beards and sensitive skin, like himself.

When it was first produced, Barbasol was filled and packaged entirely by hand in Indianapolis, IN.

1920s

Product endorsements from famous male celebrities of the 1920-1930s, including athletes, actors and musicians ran in a series of ads in the Saturday Evening Post. The ads featured personal quotes from the men, explaining why they enjoyed shaving with Barbasol.

1931

Barbasol was widely advertised on the radio and in 1931 former vaudevillian and popular radio personality, Harry Frankel made his debut as Singin' Sam, the Barbasol Man.

1936

By 1936, the company employed nearly 400 people and was also manufacturing razor blades. The Great Depression had little or no impact on the Barbasol brand.

Early 1940s

Barbasol Shaving Cream became standard issue for soldiers during World War II. As a show of patriotism, the company also sold large tubes of shaving cream in PX stores for no profit.

Late 1940s

Barbasol print ads in the late 1940s suggested that using Barbasol Shaving Cream would help men attract women. The illustrations often depicted beautiful women in suggestive positions, wearing revealing outfits.

1950s

Over the years, Barbasol has been sold in a variety of packaging types and sizes. The Giant Jar was originally sold for 75¢.

1950s

The introduction of aerosol cans in the 1950s, prompted a change in the Barbasol formula from a thick cream into a soft, fluffy foam â€“ similar to what is currently seen on shelves. The iconic barbershop pole design on the first aerosol cans remains a signature trademark for the brand.

1960s

In 1962, the Barbasol brand was purchased by Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical company. The company introduced a series of TV ads.

1988

1990s

Cans of Barbasol Shaving Cream were prominently featured in popular movies such as The Fugitive and Jurassic Park.

1990s

During the late 1990s, Barbasol sponsored Akins Motorsports drivers Glenn Allen Jr. and Elton Sawyer in the NASCAR Busch Series. Outside of this sponsorship, the brand was largely unadvertised and market share slowly dwindled.

Perio, Inc. purchased Barbasol in 2001 and quickly re-energized the legacy brand by expanding product lines, developing new products and renewing brand awareness through advertising. Barbasol was once again America's #1 Men's Shaving Cream brand, with Soothing Aloe as the overall leading men's shave prep sold.

2000s

Barbasol became the most advertised shave prep with television and radio advertising supporting the new tagline "Close Shave America." In addition to reconnecting with men of all ages, the brand grew fourfold.

Barbasol revealed a new look for an American Classic. The combination of the classic name, prominent "Made in USA" badge, and distinctive barber pole stripes creates a powerful retail billboard that is contemporary, yet familiar.

FAQs

Barbasol Foundation

In line with the mission of Perio - the parent company of Barbasol and Pure Silk brands - the Barbasol Foundation was established in order to share the resources of the company with charitable causes. Supporting charitable organizations, specifically those focused upon children, is the main vision of Perio. It is our hope that this site provides everything you need to know about our charitable giving, particularly about our competitive grants application process.
To find out more about our Funding Opportunities click here.